L’s Q&A with Nick Lujon Director of Artistry & Education for Kevyn Aucoin Cosmetics
By Lissette Waugh
Kevyn Aucoin is one of the most iconic and celebrated makeup artists of all time. He advocated for education, empowerment, inclusion, and creativity for all. But it was his exuberant optimism and personality that endeared him to all the celebrities who have sat in his chair. He’d talk about heartbreak and life, and how he thinks every woman was beautiful. His trade was makeup, but it was his friendly demeanor and charisma that made him a legend. “The best thing about him doing your makeup is that it allows you to spend time with him,” Gwyneth Paltrow once said. Naomi Campbell, Cher, J Lo, Julia Roberts, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Kate Moss, Molly Sims, Julianne Moore, Linda Evangelista, and Whitney Houston are among his many celebrity clients.
Kevyn Aucoin’s remarkable beauty transformations left a giant footprint in my heart and soul of imagination and what could be. He is what inspired me to become a makeup artist.
On my rise in the industry, I had the opportunity to come across talented artists in Las Vegas.
Nick Lujon is one of those people. He is a professional makeup artist, team leader, trainer, and educator with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Nick is widely recognized for his unique approach to coaching & developing artistry in others, as well as his artistic ability to flex and blend styles within the beauty, editorial, creative, and FX world. I am so grateful to have him not only as my peer but as a great influencer in the makeup education field.
L- What should the new generation know about Kevyn Aucoin?
He not only painted the faces of some of the world’s most famous women, but he was the first makeup artist to be featured on the cover of Vogue and was featured on countless fashion magazine covers, authored 3 bestselling beauty books (The Art of Makeup in 1994, Making Faces in 1997, and Face Forward in 2000), and earned the nickname “Michelangelo of maquillage.” Kevyn also helped to popularize the “sculpted” look of many celebrities and top models, putting the contour category on the map and forever changing the beauty industry. “Kevyn invented so many things that we look at today as just stuff that exists,” said Isaac Mizrahi. He continues, “He was a brilliant experimenter who took risks. Long before there were YouTube makeup tutorials.”
L – Why did Kevyn Aucoin create his own Cosmetic line?
Aucoin was working backstage and creating iconic looks and products for many of todays’ top brands. This prompted Kevyn Aucoin to launch the heritage makeup artistry brand KEVYN AUCOIN BEAUTY in 2001, which has a cult-like following to this day. Today KEVYN AUCOIN BEAUTY continues his legacy with rich storytelling, iconic products such as Sensual Skin Enhancer, The Eyelash Curler, Volume Mascara, The Sculpting Powders, and The Precision Brow Pencil. These are just a few of the most popular products.
L- What can you tell us about the Cosmetic Line?
The newest line of “Contour Eyeshadow Palettes”, was inspired by the methods of sculpting that Kevyn taught to the world. The shadows are set up with 3 matte sculpting shades and 3 reflective shades to create dimension to the eye area. Always start by using matte shades to base and add depth to the eye area. Finish by adding reflective shades to make the eye area stand out.
There are 4 palettes with pro-artist-curated shades to be the perfect fit to your skin tone.
L – What are some of your favorite Kevyn Aucoin products and why?
This is tough, I have so many favorites, but there are 3 products I could not survive without.
- The Sensual Skin Enhancer- this is a concentrate of pigment that can be sheered into a skin tint or built up to cover tattoos. It is versatile and waterproof. Shade 9 is my go-to for covering my dark circles.
- The Eyelash Curler- this curler has been in my makeup kits since I started doing makeup. It is the perfect size and shape to fit most eye shapes comfortably and provides the best results for instantly curled lashes. The red pad helps to see where the skin stops and the lash root starts, for the closest application.
- The Volume Mascara- this is a tubing formula that starts natural but can be layered for extra drama. The small brush is perfect for smaller eye shapes, hooded lids, and reaching the impossible to reach lashes with precision. The best part is it stays on all day without flaking or traveling and can be removed easily with warm water and a gentle rub. In my Vegas days, this was my go-to for bridal work and party makeup.
Check out their incredible makeup line on their website: kevynaucoinbeauty.com
